Sohail Afridi says ‘not going anywhere’, PTI weighs options for Imran’s release
Asad Qaiser, senior PTI leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly. Photo: File
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Thursday strongly dismissed rumors of a change in leadership in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was not going anywhere.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubQaiser said changing the chief minister was not “a child’s play” that could be done “morning and evening”.
“There is no truth in the news regarding a change of chief minister. InshaAllah, Sohail Afridi will remain the chief minister,” he asserted.
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Qaiser also addressed the cases against PTI founder Imran Khan, describing them as politically motivated and baseless. He said Imran was unjustly imprisoned and was “a prisoner of conscience” enduring difficult times for the sake of Pakistan.
“He always stood for the supremacy of the Constitution, law and Parliament,” Qaiser added.
The PTI chief said his party was considering all options for Imran’s release.
“We are going to launch a movement. We are in contact with the justice system and the population. Whatever decision is taken, we will implement it,” he declared.
However, he categorically denied any clandestine negotiations, agreements or contacts with the government regarding Imran’s release, saying no formal negotiations were taking place.
Commenting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement in the National Assembly regarding a draft Charter of Democracy, Qaiser welcomed the idea.
He said the first point of such a charter should be holding new elections and ensuring the supremacy of Parliament.
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“We fully agree on the need for a Charter of Democracy,” he said. “There must be an electoral commission that ensures clean, transparent and fair elections.”
Referring to the Prime Minister’s offer to audit the 2018 and 2024 elections, Qaiser said the PTI had accepted the proposal and was ready for an independent audit through a credible commission or forum enjoying the trust of all parties.
On internal party issues, Qaiser admitted that some PTI members were unhappy.
“They are our friends and party members. Their reservations are valid,” he said, adding that PTI president Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar had already met them.
“Steps will be taken very soon to address their concerns,” he said.
